Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 29, 2024 – Yesterday, a far-right extremist judge in Texas issued a ruling that undermines the democratic process and prevents state...
On the Right Track: Institute of Medicine’s Essential Benefits Report
America’s women and families want and need confidence that when they buy health insurance, it will cover comprehensive benefits that meet their needs. Thanks to health reform, we may soon get that.
America’s Working Parents Deserve Paid Leave – Take Action Today!
The arrival of a new child should be a time of pure celebration. Sadly, for millions of working parents without paid leave in this country, the joyous occasion can be short-lived.
Fair Pay: What a Difference a Union Makes
On Monday, the country will celebrate Labor Day – a national holiday established to honor the strength of America’s workers and its unions. All workers who are in unions benefit from higher wages, better benefits, retirement security and more – but the union difference for today’s women is especially striking, particularly when it comes to fair pay.
Keeping the Dream of Full Equality Alive
It’s Women’s Equality Day – a commemoration of the 19th Amendment and women’s steady march toward equality, a tribute to how far we have come, and a reminder of the work still to do.
Crisis Averted. Now What?
The deal is done. Both chambers of Congress have now voted, and President Obama has signed an unprecedented bill into law to avert the immediate catastrophe of a government default. But the country will be living with the consequences of this deal for decades to come.
In Science v. Politics, Science Scores a Win
A milestone for women’s health is finally within reach: On Tuesday, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) identified the full range of FDA-approved contraception and birth control options as preventive health services – and recommended that they be made available to women without additional fees or co-payment under health care reform.
Connecticut Makes History
Today is a great day for workers in Connecticut, and a day that offers hope to tens of millions of workers throughout the country who cannot now earn paid sick time, no matter how long they hold a job or how solid their work record is.
Seniors in America Today: “Not a Pretty Picture”
Earlier this week, I was privileged to be a part of Volunteers of America’s third annual discussion on aging issues. I was on a panel with Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post co-founder and editor-in-chief; Mike King, National President and CEO of Volunteers of America, Inc.; and Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, AARP Executive Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement. Our topic: How our nation’s public policies affect older Americans, especially women.
Relentless. Deceptive. Dangerous.
The “”war on women”” in the House of Representatives rages on.
When Women Do Better, Families Do Better and the Nation Can Thrive
President Obama hit the mark during his recent Women’s History Month address on fair pay when he said that “achieving equal pay for equal work isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a family issue.” At the National Partnership, we’ve been saying the same thing for decades: when women do better, families do better. It couldn’t be more true.
Paid Sick Days Committee Victories in Connecticut and Philadelphia
The push for paid sick days took a significant step forward this week as lawmakers in Connecticut, Illinois and Philadelphia held public hearings on the impact that establishing a paid sick days standard could have on working families, businesses and public health.
Just When You Think You’ve Seen It All
Sometimes I think there’s not much that can surprise me. But last week proved that theory wrong: the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prohibit federal funds for health care services provided by Planned Parenthood, and eliminate funding for all Title X family planning services, which are the sole source of health care for millions of low-income and uninsured women in this nation.
Time to Protect Common Sense.
Shame on Them!
For decades, women and families have been penalized by punitive and predatory insurance practices that have restricted their access to quality, affordable care. But the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is changing that. It is the greatest advance for women’s health in a generation.
Paid Sick Days Champion Wins Connecticut Governorship
Dan Malloy, former mayor of Stamford, Connecticut, and staunch supporter of paid sick days, was elected governor of Connecticut earlier this month — demonstrating the importance of paid sick days to working families in Connecticut, and the power the issue can have in an election.
Final Hour for Fair Pay?!
Today, the Senate returns to Washington — and the Paycheck Fairness Act is one of the first bills on its agenda. Passing the Paycheck Fairness Act is more important than ever.
Success is Inevitable
Today’s working families are juggling ‘Ozzie and Harriet’ policies in a web 2.0 world, and it’s simply not sustainable. Workers are struggling to care for their families while both parents hold jobs. Families are straining to meet increasing child- and eldercare responsibilities. Parents have little savings to fall back on, and few jobs – and even fewer good jobs – to apply for, should they lose the jobs they have.
The Imperative to Protect Women’s Economic Security
President Obama has made protecting women’s economic security a priority since Day One.
UPDATE: Speaker Quinn Won’t Move on NYC Paid Sick Time Act
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s decision to oppose the New York City Paid Sick Time Act — despite a supermajority in the City Council that is in favor of the bill — is incredibly disappointing.
Six Months After Health Reform There is Much to Celebrate…And Lots of Work Ahead
Six months ago today, President Obama signed the health care bill into law. And with his signature, our health care system was opened up for renovation. But, like any remodeling job, we’ve got a long way to go before the final product will be ready for a ribbon cutting ceremony.